And it’s a side with lots of potential - especially in the pack. A top quality back three of Dave Larder, Jamie Bloem and Pat Weisner are supplemented by forwards Ryan Macdonald, Chris Morley and Fereti Tuilangi.

Both Halifax and Hornets have had visits to the disciplinary panel this week - with contrasting results. Ex-Hornet James Bunyan was found not guilty of his alleged tackle offense on Whitehaven’s David Seeds and is named in the Halifax side, Dave Cunliffe picked up a one-match ban for his involvement in a fracas at Castleford and will miss Sunday’s game.

On the positive side, Bobbie Goulding have Mark McCully, back in contention as he seeks to get Hornets back on track.

Furious’ over his side’s defeat at Barrow, Goulding has apologised to fans and blasted his players: “We came down to earth with a bump (at Barrow) and I can only apologise to the fans who spent their hard-earned money to watch THAT!”

“What I’m looking for is my players to be mentally tough. They weren’t at Barrow and I’m not in the mood to mess about. If players don’t want to play for Hornets, they only have to tell me and they can go.”

With his words echoing round the squad, half back Jon Braddish and fullback Paul Owen, plus props Lee Hansen and Tommy Hodgkinson are back in contention. But second row forward Phil Farrell is doubtful - he’s due to see a specialist about a recurring knee problem this week and may requirelonger-term remedial treatment.

Most important for Hornets, though is that they recapture some of their National Cup form and get into a rhythm. Losing can become a bit of a habit and, having run Salford and Castleford close, last week’s write-off was the last thing we needed.

Games against Halifax are always passionate and incident packed - and this one promises to be no different.

In the last couple of weeks, the travelling Hornets fans have done the club proud - turning out in good numbers and really raising the roof. Now we need that same commitment at home. This one will be a cracker - you’d be mad to miss it!